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Worker dies repairing heavy equipment near Fort McMurray

A 22-year-old Kal Tire worker died on Dec. 28 in an accident during a service call near Fort McMurray, Alta. The man was called out to repair a tire on a piece of heavy equipment.

“During the repair, the tire flew off the rim and a ring from the tire assembly struck the worker, causing fatal injuries,” according to Adrienne Hill, a spokeswoman for Occupation Health and Safety, in an Edmonton Journal article.

Occupational Health and Safety is conducting an investigation. Kal Tire is fully supporting the investigation and it is conducting one of its own. In the interim, a stop-work order has been issued in the Fort McMurray area for certain types of service calls.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the individual’s family and loved ones in this time of sorrow and grief,” said Robert Foord, president, Kal Tire. “We will make every effort possible to support them through this tragedy.”

Members of Kal Tire’s senior management team were in Fort McMurray Dec. 30 ensuring a trained support team is in place to assist all other team members through this difficult time, including grief counselling.